The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1887-06-11
IN NIEMORIAM.

ELDER MATTHEW DAVIS YOUNG, the
subject of this sketch, passed to his rest
February 4, 1887. He was born on
Hemp's creek, Catahoula parish, La,
April %, 1843. He moved to north Lou
isiana, where he was married to Miss
Jerusha E. BRAZIL, at Lisbon, Lincoln
parish, Jan. 81, 1867. Eight children
blessed this union, two boys and six girls,
seven of whom remain with their mother.
while little Maggie has preceded her
father to the land of the blessed. OF
Bro. Young's early life we know but little.
The writer has heard him say that in his
young days he sowed his wild oats very
thick. It is only of his later years that
we wish to speak at this time. He was
baptized by Elder J. G. Hale into the
fellowship Of Bethel church, Grant parish,
in 1853, and was chosen at once by that
church to serve them as deacon and clerk,
in which capacity he served acceptably
until Sept. 10, 1871, at which time he was
ordained to the full work OF the cospel
ministry by Elders j. @. Hale, w. j. Lacy
and B. F. Brian. From this time on he
has ever been true and faithful servant
of the Master, up to the time when the
summons came Tor him to come up higher.
This pen is not worthy to speak of the
worth of such man, but as friend and
brother, we wish to add our mite. As a
citizen he was honest and patriotic, and
never hinched from duty when the inter-
est Of the people demanded action. He
was unsel6sh in all his public services,
asking not the plaudits OF man, but
pricing rather the inward Conscientious
ness of well doing. As firm Baptist he
was ever ready on all proper occasions to
give reason for the faith that was in
him, and this he did with grace and love.
It was his to proclaim Christ's doctrines
In Christ's spirit. As a preacher he was
spiritual, orthodox and plain, and usually
very forcible. He was deep thinker
and sound reasoner, and in whatever ca
pacity he was placed, whether as pastor,
moderator, or counselor, he was always
faithful and efficient He made no effort
to show himself, but always bore in his
body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ,
He lived out in his daily life the religion
he preached to others. As an adviser be
was safe and true; as a neighbor he was
kind and oblRing. It is in his family
circle that our brother deserves COM
mendation and esteem. During the
twenty years of his welded life he was
the same kind and loving husband to bis
wife, and made life for her happy reality,
That such fond husband should have
made devoted father naturally follows
He made companions of his children.
Their loves were his loves, their Joys
gladdened him, and their sorrows never
tailed to awaken a sympathetic response
in him, making home happy and the
dearest spot in all the world to his off:
spring. Brother Young to have been all
this must have taken Gods word as his
guide. He carried his religion into his
home as we'll as into his ministerial life
and hence the smooth-running of all the
domestic machinery. This was the history
OF his latter years, and the result showed
it to have been worth living for.
He has finished his work, and his journey is per
The war 10 accomplished, the triumph begun:
He laid down his Armur beside the cold river
And brilliant with stars il the crown he has won
He has finished his work, shall We mourn oul
| Or weep that his face we no longer behold?
| Oh sweet Is our hope in this moment Of anguish
Wen meet him again in that city of gold.
NJ ID. A.